Self-Perception of Social Participation Restrictions in Adults and Older Adults with Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review
Introduction: Hearing loss affects a large number of people worldwide, with a tendency to increase in the coming years. It is estimated that one in four people will be living with some degree of hearing loss by 2050. Many adults and elderly people report negative psychosocial and emotional consequences attributable to hearing loss, among them depression, feelings of loneliness, social isolation, and decreased quality of life. The use of hearing aids is indicated in these cases, not only to optimize communication but also to improve the quality of life and social participation of its users. Understanding self-perception of social participation restrictions and how the use of hearing aids can affect the lives of adults and the elderly is essential to minimize the consequences of these losses. Objective: To analyze the self-perception of the effects of using hearing aids in adults and elderly with hearing loss on their social participation.